Born in Rockville Centre, N.Y. on Feb. 27, 1932, he was a son of the late Harry and Grace (Moore) Walker. Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Jacquelyn (Paine) “Jackie” Walker. He was also predeceased by his brother, John Walker, his brother, Donald Walker, and his sister, Ruth (Walker) Massey, his daughter, Patricia Kerwin, and his granddaughter, Courtney Walker.

Jerry grew up with five brothers and one sister in Gowanda, N.Y. For his last two years of high school, he went to Stony Brook School on Long Island. He then attended Juniata College in Pennsylvania, majoring in business. He later transferred to SUNY Fredonia where he received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and then continued his education at Alfred University where he received a master’s degree. Jerry later received his administrative degree at University at Buffalo.

After almost two years of teaching 7th and 8th grade in Forestville and coaching JV football and basketball, he was drafted into the Army, serving for two years in Puerto Rico as an English instructor. He returned to Forestville to teach for one more year, then in 1958 came to Hornell to teach 6th grade at Lincoln School. In 1959, he became the elementary principal of both North Hornell and Columbian schools. He later became assistant superintendent of the Hornell City School District, a position he held until he retired in 1990.

A resident of Hornell since 1960, he served as a deacon, elder, trustee, and chairman of the United Presbyterian Church. He was a Sunday school teacher and served as the co-chairman for the monthly church dinners for 17 years. Jerry was also active in the community as a member and president of several community service groups. These include the Camp Fire Council, the YMCA Board of Directors, the Kiwanis Club, the Red Cross, and United Way. He was an avid sports fan who coached Biddy basketball, Sunday school basketball, midget football, and was the announcer for midget football games for many years. He was a regular fan at all the Hornell sports events and loved the Buffalo Bills and playing golf with his friends.

Jerry devoted his life to his family, hosting many family gatherings, camping, traveling across the country, and teaching eager water-skiers on Loon Lake. He was a loving, proud, supportive, and caring father and grandfather.

His loving family includes his two daughters, Teri (Joseph) Mauro of Victor and Nancy Stewart (Bob Shephard) of Beverly, Massachusetts; his two sons, John (Kathleen) Walker of Phoenix, AZ and Brian (Bridget) Walker of Penfield; his son in law, Michael Kerwin of Manlius; his 13 grandchildren, James (Cassie) Mauro of Farmington, Jennifer (Timothy) Harris of Victor, Kathryn (Thomas) Zaccardo of Farmington, Joseph (Jessica) Mauro of Pittsford, Michael Mauro of Buffalo, Matthew Mauro of Rochester, Daniel Marnell of Syracuse, Christopher Marnell of Rochester, Emily Stewart of Clifton Park, Quincy (Matthew) Biamonte of Tempe, AZ, Jake Walker of Phoenix AZ, Danielle Walker and Nicholas Walker both of Penfield; his four great grandchildren, Teddy and Oliver Mauro of Farmington, Conor Harris of Victor, Carly Zaccardo of Farmington; his brothers, Kenneth Walker of Hamburg, Hank Walker (Patricia Andrade) of Tucson, AZ, Phillip (Patricia) Walker of Townsend, TN; his sister in law, Carolyn Lewis of Warren, OH; brother in law, Dale Massey of Cleveland, TN, and sister in law, Nancie Kallin of West Seneca, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 31, 2019) at the Bishop and Johnson Funeral Home Inc., 285 Main Street, Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the sanctuary of the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main Street, Hornell where a funeral service will be held in his memory at 1:30 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 1, 2019). Private interment will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell or to the Hornell United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.